Chapter 4
The serums that were created appeared to be effective for the most part, resulting in a significant decrease in deaths, raids, and overall panic. It was a rare moment of tranquility that hadn't been experienced in a long time. I was able to sleep peacefully for a full six hours without the constant noise of bombs disturbing my rest. It was a surreal feeling, making me question if we had truly emerged victorious from the war.
However, I couldn't allow myself to get carried away with excitement or feel a sense of relief just yet. I couldn't fully accept that the war had come to an end. Deep down, I was waiting for something unexpected to happen, as there always seemed to be another problem to solve or puzzle to unravel. And then there was the matter of that mysterious creature...
It had been three days since my last visit to his cell. Despite trying to focus on my work and collaborating with Daren to create more serums, not a single day went by without thoughts of paying him another visit. I wondered if there was a way to establish some form of communication with him, hoping that he would reveal more about himself or perhaps shed light on where he originated from. However, I knew that gaining his trust was crucial, especially since he was currently held captive. He needed to feel assured that he could confide in me.
As I completed the final bottle of serum today, my gaze shifted towards Daren. "I believe I've reached my limit for now," I remarked. Daren glanced up at me, a smile gracing his face.
"Yeah, I agree. Let's call it a night and clock out," he suggested. Returning his smile, I noticed his vibrant green eyes light up as he ran his hand through his dark curls. "You...um...would you like to grab a meal with me?"
I hesitated, blinking awkwardly. "A date?" I questioned.
Daren stumbled over his words, clearing his throat. "No! Not a date or anything. Just two lab partners enjoying a meal together. Nothing strange," he clarified.
"Oh. Um...normally, I would say yes, but I have other plans for tonight," I explained.
Disappointment etched across his face, he asked, "Seeing someone?" I chuckled, shaking my head.
"What? No. Daren, do I appear to have the time for a stable dating life? Look at me," I retorted.
"I am," he replied softly, his voice filled with kindness. Blushing slightly, he turned away. "So, who are you going out with tonight?" he inquired.
Smirking, I responded, "No one. Trust me, if I were to have a boyfriend, it would have to be you. You know that." A smile tugged at his lips as he gazed back at me.
"You just won't eat with me. I mean, I'm your lab partner. We haven't even shared a single meal together," he lamented.
"That's not the reason. I-I simply have something to attend to tonight. I promise, I won't turn you down next time. Rain check, alright?" I offered.
"Yeah, okay. I'll hold you to that," he replied.
"I know you will," I said, a smile playing on my lips. "And I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
After leaving the confines of the laboratory, I eagerly scurried towards the video recording room, my sanctuary where I could observe the enigmatic creature through the watchful eyes of the surveillance cameras. It had become a nightly ritual for me to dedicate at least an hour to this captivating activity before retiring to my own quarters. Occasionally, a guard or two would enter the room to inspect the recorded footage, but they would swiftly depart, leaving me alone with my mesmerizing subject.
I made it a point to meticulously study every video recording of the creature, repeatedly analyzing each movement and deciphering its intricate body language. Through this process, I began to unravel the hidden nuances of its expressions, which were not always overtly evident on its face. My dedication to understanding this enigma led me to diligently jot down every detail and insight in my research book.
One of the intriguing discoveries I made was that the creature harbored a strong aversion to light. It seemed to recoil from its presence, as if it posed a threat to its very existence. Additionally, I noticed that tapping would instantly capture its attention, although it appeared to dislike this form of disturbance.
Another fascinating behavior I observed was the creature's territorial nature. Whenever multiple males were in close proximity, it would assert its dominance by pacing around its cell in a manner that exuded a sense of ownership. Moreover, when it grew restless, it would astoundingly leap from one far end of the top cell corner to the other, showcasing its agility and strength. Curiosity led me to ponder the creature's remarkable ability to scale walls effortlessly. I surmised that it must possess some form of suction cups or sticky secretions on the undersides of its hands and feet. This ingenious adaptation allowed it to cling to vertical surfaces with ease, while retracting its claws at will.
One of the creature's most captivating features were its ears, reminiscent of those belonging to mythical elves. These ears, slightly elongated and subtly pointed, would perk up and twitch with anticipation whenever individuals entered or exited its vicinity, serving as a testament to its acute awareness of its surroundings. As I continued my nightly observations, my understanding of this mysterious being deepened, and my research book became a treasure trove of insights into its behaviors and preferences. Each revelation brought me closer to unraveling the enigma that was the creature, fueling my insatiable curiosity and driving me to uncover more of its secrets.
One observation that caught my attention was the fact that the creature had not been provided any nourishment or hydration. I couldn't help but wonder how long he could go without food or water, especially considering it had already been three days. It became clear to me that I needed to take immediate action and ensure that he received at least some water.
With the intention of building trust and establishing a connection, I decided to test his reaction. I grabbed my notebook and headed back to the laboratory, knowing that there were plenty of buckets and large containers available for water. However, I needed something smaller, something that could be easily passed through the automatic slot separating his cell from the outside world.
I quickly located a small white bowl and an unopened water bottle, tucking them securely under my arm as I made my way down to the holding area. I was aware that my uninvited presence might not be well-received by the guards or Lieutenant Black, but I was determined to prioritize the creature's need for water. While providing the creature with water was my primary motive, I couldn't deny my own curiosity about him. Nonetheless, the water served as a convenient cover for my underlying interests.
As I approached the experimentation holding cells, questions flooded my mind. Would he accept the water? Would he drink it in my presence or wait for me to leave? How would his demeanor change towards me? Would he express gratitude in his own unique way, or would he simply communicate his desire for me to leave, as he had been doing through his eyes since his arrival?
My thoughts were interrupted by a guard who held up his hand, informing me that the area was currently closed down. When I inquired about the reason, he explained that Lieutenant Black had ordered everyone to stay away due to the creature's disruptive behavior.
Unable to contain my frustration, I pointed out that perhaps the creature's behavior was a result of not being provided with food or water for three days. I asked the guard how he would feel in the same situation, hoping to evoke some empathy.
Letting out a heavy sigh, the guard expressed his frustration. "Let's not turn this into a debate. I'm simply following orders."
Feeling exasperated, I let out a sigh of my own and glanced over the guard's shoulder. To my surprise, the creature's intense gaze was already fixed on me, its warm breath fogging up the glass. It stood tall, its spiked tail swaying behind it. "He seems quite calm to me," I remarked with a smile directed at the guard. "Perhaps you need to be updated on your orders."
"Well, I haven't received any updates, so the current orders still stand."
"In that case, I insist that you provide the creature with something to drink."
"No one means no one, Swan. No one is allowed near it."
The creature growled and began pacing its cell, its fiery gaze still fixed on me. However, it seemed mildly intrigued by my presence. "Get Lieutenant Black on the line. This is important."
The guard clenched his teeth but complied, pressing a button on his radio. "Boss? Are you there?"
After a moment of static, Black's voice came through. "Copy."
"I've got Swan here."
Silence. Only static filled the air. Then, after a long pause, Black responded, "What does she want?"
The guard raised an eyebrow and looked to me for an explanation. Leaning in, I said, "With all due respect, Lieutenant Black, I believe the creature should be given something to drink. It's important to keep it healthy for... experimentation purposes."
"It doesn't seem to be in a cooperative mood today, Swan. My orders are to stay away. It has displayed several aggressive behaviors. It's not safe."
"Well, maybe that's because we haven't fed him or given him anything to drink in three days. I think it's crucial to show that we're not... animals. That we can behave civilly."
"Show who? The creature? What does it care? Do you think it gives a damn about you or us? If that cage is compromised, it won't hesitate to tear us apart."
"I still believe this is important. You can be present. I won't do anything other than slip some water through the feeder. That's it. I want the subject to remain healthy. If the creature is weak, it will be difficult for us to determine the effectiveness of our weapons," I stated.
There was a moment of silence before he responded, "I will come down. Maintain your position until I arrive."
"Yes, Sir," the guard replied, his tone tinged with irritation.
I couldn't help but smile at the guard's annoyance. I had won this round. However, he quickly blinked back a glare. Impatiently, I shifted my weight from one foot to another as I waited. When Black finally appeared, a surge of excitement filled me. But my excitement quickly turned to a frown as I noticed Black covered in combat gear, armed with an array of weapons as if he were about to go into battle.
"It's just some water..." I muttered.
Black glanced at my still bandaged leg and said, "We can't take any chances, especially after what happened last time. Put the water in, and that's it."
I nodded in understanding. "Thank you, Lieutenant Black."
"Don't thank me just yet. I still don't think it's a good idea. The only reason I'm even considering it is because I want those creatures dead. So, if this helps ensure the effectiveness of our weapons, then so be it. But don't mistake it for me wanting to be civil with that creature. And I suggest you keep that in mind as well."
"I understand," I replied, acknowledging his warning. With a single nod, he allowed me to pass.
I cautiously approached the peculiar creature, taking care not to startle it. It was perched upside down on the ceiling of the cell, its eyes fixed warily on me as its tail dangled below. As I held out some items in my hand, the creature licked its lips and tilted its head in curiosity. Suddenly, the sound of heavy boots echoed behind me, indicating that Lieutenant Black had decided to join me. The creature's eyes immediately locked onto him, and it emitted a deep growl.
My eyes widened in alarm as I witnessed the creature's claws extending and its scales bristling, as if it were preparing to break through the glass and attack Lieutenant Black. It was clear that the creature would not accept the water with its tormentor in such close proximity. I stopped in my tracks, turning slightly to face Lieutenant Black without taking my gaze off the creature.
"Lieutenant Black, I believe it would be best for you to stay back," I urged.
He responded with a sarcastic remark, "Funny, you should take your own advice."
The creature sneered at Lieutenant Black. Pleading with him, "Lieutenant Black, please. Let me handle this."
Lieutenant Black ceased his footsteps, swinging his gun over his shoulder, and impatiently observed as I continued my slow approach towards the cell. The creature briefly glanced at Lieutenant Black before returning its attention to me. Although it had calmed down slightly, it remained on edge, seemingly anticipating an attack from Lieutenant Black at any moment.
As I neared the safety glass of the cell, the creature slithered down with deliberate slowness, its gaze dark and calculating, scrutinizing my every move. The sheer size of the creature was staggering, leaving me awestruck.
"Easy," I murmured. His ears perked up at the sound of my voice, and he studied me intently as I circled the cell towards the automated transfer slot. On all fours, he followed my every move, his body exhibiting the grace and stealth of a predator stalking its prey. He halted directly in front of me as I stood by the slot, my hands trembling as I opened the bottle of water and poured it into the pristine white bowl. "Just going to slide this in," I whispered in a hushed tone. "It's water. You-you drink it." Demonstrating, I took a sip and then gestured towards him.
A flicker of amusement danced across his lips as he rose to his full height. However, it quickly dissipated when I opened the slot, and he instantly returned to a state of heightened alertness.
"It's okay. It's for you," I reassured, placing the bowl of water inside and allowing the machine to transfer it to him. He glanced at it briefly before cautiously sniffing the contents. Instead of picking up the bowl, his long tongue slithered out from between his teeth and plunged into the water. Once he determined it posed no threat, he lowered himself to drink generously. A smile crept across my face. It felt immensely gratifying to perform a kind act for him. Despite his malevolence, the act of giving him something still brought a sense of fulfillment. When he finished gulping down the water, he wiped his mouth with the back of his clawed hand and patiently waited.
As I stood near the cage, he ran his tongue over his lips a few times, causing a sense of unease to wash over me. His towering height was incredibly unsettling, making me feel small and insignificant in comparison.
"Um...do you want more?" I hesitantly asked, noticing his repeated lip licking. Perhaps that was his way of signaling yes. Or maybe he saw me as his next meal. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, widening my eyes in fear.
"Just so we're clear, I'm not on the menu. I've already made it clear that my other leg is not up for negotiation," I said, smirking slightly, but his reaction was far from amused. His nostrils flared as he sniffed the air, for what reason, I couldn't discern. I pulled the bowl back and poured the remaining water into it. When I pushed it back towards him, he leaned over, burying his face in the bowl and slurping up the water.
"Can you understand me? Can you speak?" I inquired, hoping for some sort of response. Once he finished drinking, he raised his head and looked down at me with emotionless, cold blue eyes, his tail swaying slowly behind him.
"There's so much I want to know. I don't mean to be cruel, but... where do you come from? Why are you here? Do you have a name?" I asked, filled with curiosity. Black's voice interrupted our interaction.
"Swan! Step away. He's had enough water. Now, back off!" In response to Lieutenant Black's voice, a low growl rumbled from the creature. I disregarded Black's command, not wanting to lose the creature's attention. "Just communicate with me," I whispered. "Maybe we've misunderstood you. Maybe you're not as cruel as we assume. If you can talk, perhaps we can come to some sort of agreement. Please." He tilted his head to the side once again, a bored expression on his face, as if I were a child babbling nonsense. Then, something unexpected occurred.
I was taken aback when his deep, velvety voice reached my ears. "No. Agreement. Only. Death," he stated, his voice steady and serious. It resonated like thunder, capturing the attention of the guards and even causing Lieutenant Black to pause. Despite my surprise, I pushed it aside and continued.
"Y-You can understand me," I stammered, a smile spreading across my face. The scientist in me was exhilarated. "Oh my god, this is incredible! But why death? Why is that the only option? If you explain, we can find a compromise. Anything is better than resorting to violence."
"No. Compromise. Human," he replied, his voice growing gruff and his brows furrowing, though a hint of humor sparkled in his blue eyes. His response frustrated me, and I glared at him, a gesture that seemed to intrigue him slightly.
"How can you say that? Can't we find a way to coexist? Is there no possibility of being civil?"
"Human is female," he said, a dark smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
I shook my head in disbelief. "What does that have to do with anything? I am just as capable. I don't need to be male to understand why you're exterminating us." He remained silent, his face transforming into an inscrutable expression. He glanced at me once, from head to toe, before turning his back, as if he had grown weary. My heart sank. "No. Please, just talk to me. Tell me why?"
He turned his gaze back to me, his piercing blue eyes sending a chilling sensation through my body. My heart raced, but I refused to back down. He lowered his head and spoke in a hushed tone that only I could hear, "Tell the male human to step back. Then we can continue talking."
Seriously? That didn't seem like a wise decision on my part. I began to shake my head, but halted when he raised an eyebrow. It seemed like he was playing his own game. I yearned to have a further conversation with him. It felt like a breakthrough, and I couldn't afford to lose it. He seemed to sense my desperation and was clearly using it to his advantage. He stood motionless, waiting to see what move I would make next. Would I succumb to his control? Or would I lose him? I nervously bit my bottom lip and glanced at Black.
"Lieutenant Black, please. Can we have some privacy?"
"Hell no. Are you kidding me?"
"Just for a moment. Please. It's important."
"Total bullshit! I'm not leaving you alone with him. Do you want to get killed this time?" The creature's eyes gleamed with amusement as he observed the verbal exchange between Black and me.
"Trust me. Please. Just five minutes."
Black's jaw clenched, and he muttered a curse, stepping back to grant us some privacy. The creature's gaze grew darker as he shot a wicked smirk in Black's direction before refocusing on me. His raised eyebrow indicated a mixture of surprise and admiration. Did he find it astonishing that I actually followed his request?
"Don't act so pleased with yourself. You have five minutes. Now, answer me. Answer my question. I know you understand me, so don't pretend otherwise," I demanded.
He lifted his head. "Are you threatening me?"
"I-I certainly hope so. And anyway, I gave you what you wanted. Now, it's your turn to answer," I replied.
He thoughtfully tilted his head. "Human is of no threat. More like a pet."
How dare he! My rage surged, evident in my expression. He simply grinned, finding amusement in both my inquiries and my visible frustration. "I'm not the one wearing a collar and drinking from a bowl like an animal," I retorted. "So, I suggest you refrain from threatening me."
"You are weak," he scoffed. "All humans are weak. But you? You are weaker. You," he pointed at me, "pose no threat to me."
I glared at him, but he didn't seem bothered in the slightest, which only irritated me further. I was determined not to let him evade the subject any longer. "Quit stalling. Just answer my damn question. Why are you here? What do you want with our planet?"
"Simple. Humans need to die," he replied without hesitation.
Wow. That was a blunt statement. "Why?" I asked, hoping for a different explanation.
"Because humans only bring destruction. They must be eradicated."
"There has to be another solution," I whispered.
"No. There isn't."
"There has to be. What do you want with Earth? Why do we have to die? There must be some sort of compromise we can reach."
"Tell me, do all humans ask the same question repeatedly? You seek an answer, but I already told you. There will be no compromise. Only death."
Frustration and anger welled up inside me as I bit my lip and continued to glare at him. His lack of remorse or willingness to cooperate was getting under my skin. "So, I suppose we should just electrocute you until you die? Blind you and inject you with poison until you suffocate? Because that's the only language you understand. Death." My voice dripped with anger and sarcasm, impossible to hide.
"Yes. That would make sense. If I escape, I will seek human blood," he responded seriously and unwaveringly.
"Maybe you just need time to change your perspective. Perhaps if we communicate more, you might see a different side to humans."
He scoffed, thoroughly amused. Then, he grumbled in a low voice, "As I said. You are female."
"Excuse me? Explain to me why my gender has anything to do with our ability to have a civilized conversation?"
"Human females are not meant for war. Too submissive. Much better suited for pleasure or as pets."
"Don't dare refer to me as a pet! I am not some plaything for you to manipulate. And don't even entertain the thought of violating me. I will take drastic measures to defend myself. I am unlike other women. There is a side of me that couldn't care less about shocking you to the core. I simply believe that there is more that can be achieved, more understanding that can be attained."
He let out a sigh, a sense of boredom etching itself onto his face. "Fight me then, if you wish. You would be easy to overpower, easy to seduce. Easy to bed." He smirked, relishing in his own words.
"You're twisted. You think we're the monsters? You claim to have come to destroy us because we destroy, but it is you who are the ones inflicting the killings. How can you hold yourself in such high regard? Believing that you are superior to us?"
"Human kill and rape one another. I find solace within my own kind. Humans know no peace. Not with us, nor with each other. Always at war. Trust me," he leaned forward, "It would be in your best interest to kill me as soon as possible. If I escape, you die."
I should kill him. I really should.
"I have more inquiries. Once you answer them, I will end your life."
He grinned. "Quite intriguing incentives. Why does the human think I would comply with her questions under such terms?"
My frustration grew. "B-because. Because you'll regret it if you don't cooperate with me."
He scanned me from head to toe once again. "How? You pose no threat. No fangs. No means of protection. Just delicate skin."
I took a determined step forward, my gaze unwavering. "I have the power to shock you, to inflict immense pain upon you. So, if you want to avoid suffering, you will have to cooperate with me."
A deep growl rumbled from his chest.
"I welcome any pain that human can inflict upon me. Soon, I will seek revenge. The human will regret it when I take my time in ending her life." He bared his sharp teeth at me. "Before I'm done, you will be your on knees, begging for death."
"Well, it's not just about shocks. If you don't want to starve to death, I suggest you consider working with me."
His eyes narrowed. "I will not work with a human. I will rejoice when all humans are dead. My answer is no," he snarled. I had a snide remark ready, but I knew that exchanging threats wouldn't get me anywhere. Clearly, violence was not the solution. As they say, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
He turned to walk away, but I shook my head. "No. Wait. Don't go. Please. How about... how about we make a deal? I won't force you, but we can come to an agreement."
"A deal?" he said, turning his head slightly to speak to me over his shoulder. "What kind of deal?"
"Think of it as a promise. I give something, and you give something in return. An exchange."
"A trade," he stated, fully turning around to face me.
"Yes. I can offer you something, and you can provide me with answers. Is there something specific you desire?" I raised an eyebrow. "Besides my death. Something I can give."
He looked away, unimpressed by my offer.
"Um, I could... adjust the lighting. Keep it low permanently." His ears perked up. That caught his attention. Still, he looked at me, waiting for me to continue. "And I could work on getting you food. Not my choice, but your choice of food. Whatever you like to eat."
"Food?" he repeated.
"Yes. I know it's been a while since you've eaten. You must be hungry."
In a hushed voice, he questioned, "And what would you be wanting in exchange?"
"I just need a little conversation. I have some questions that need answering," I replied. "I get answers. You get food."
He regarded me skeptically, his eyes filled with distrust. "What kind of food are you offering?"
"We have a variety of options, like bread and fruit." He remained silent as he looked me up and down again. "I'm not on the menu." He smirked.
"In that case, I'll settle for any meat. Raw meat. That's what I want," he stated.
"Any kind of raw meat..." I repeated, taken aback. He gave a single nod. "Ok. I believe I can arrange that," I said hesitantly.
He pondered for a moment. "Dim the lights. Give me raw meat. Then I will provide you with some answers. That's the trade." He flashed a toothy smile. "I get what I want, and then I will give female what she wants."
Raw meat? Are we talking about animals? Well, I'll figure it out. I desired answers, and if providing him with food was the way to get them, so be it.
"Ok. If I bring you raw meat and change the lighting, will you answer my questions?"
He resumed pacing, his face contorted into a snarl as he looked around at the guards. "I want the male humans to stay back. The conversations we have, will only be between us."
I frowned at him. "The guards are there for my protection."
"Protection from what?" He smirked.
"You. Of course."
"You have nothing to fear with me. I have been very forthcoming in my intentions. If we make this trade, I will honor the terms."
"But you just said that lights and food were sufficient. You said that would be the trade. Now you are extending the trade. And asking me to risk my safety."
He looked around his enclosure. "Do you not feel safe with me in here? You don't have faith in your own entrapments?"
I raised my head a little higher. "I would feel safer with the guards nearby."
"The same guards that were not able to save you from me the last time? Those guards?" He raised a brow.
"Well-" He had a point.
When I remained silent he smiled. "Let's make this simple. If you come for conversation, and we agree on those terms, I will honor them. If, however, you try to take my blood or cause me pain, I will do the same. Deal?"
"Why can't they just linger nearby?"
"Because I said so," his eyes darkened. "Are you willing to make the trade or not?"
I sighed in anger as I bit my bottom lip. His lips twitched, and I struggled to contain my anger. Damn him.
"Alright then. Raw meat, lights, and just me. Anything else I can do to accommodate you, your Grace?" I couldn't help but let sarcasm seep into my words. Initially, I was intrigued by his voice, but the more he spoke, the more his prideful demeanor irritated me. For a prisoner of war, he was remarkably arrogant.
He emitted a brief, gruff hiss, which I soon realized was his way of chuckling. "No. I will observe how female human maintains her end of the arrangement."
Oh, I'll make sure you get your meat. And you better be prepared to have a conversation!
"But you'll talk? You'll answer my questions?"
His eyes narrowed into slits. "Some," he sneered.
Well, that's better than none. Or an outright refusal. He must be quite famished if he's willing to converse. Or perhaps I simply entertain him. I don't care. I want answers. "Fine. Then, it seems we have an agreement. You see? It wasn't so difficult. I keep my promise. You keep yours. That's how this entire thing works. Agreements can also put an end to wars, you know."
"They can also start wars," he glared at me. What does that mean?
"Um...well...I suppose. If one fails to uphold their end of the bargain."
"Exactly. I don't trust humans."
Had other humans betrayed him? Did he have previous dealings with humans? Was that the reason for their attack on us? There was always some covert, classified government activity happening. It wouldn't surprise me if it leaked that we had somehow angered the wrong extraterrestrial species. Maybe some clandestine program had stumbled upon the wrong planet. Or perhaps we had tested our weapons and accidentally hit the wrong planet.
"Well, you can trust me. I'll fulfill my part of the agreement. You just better fulfill yours. I can deliver what I promised. And I will."
"That remains to be seen," he licked his lips as he assessed me once more.
I lifted my head with determination. "I will. So, don't think you can back out of the deal. The deal has already been made. You've already agreed." For the first time, he rolled his eyes as he ascended to the top of the cell and nestled into a corner, curling his tail around himself. He observed me as I made my way back to Lieutenant Black.
Black was still taken aback by the fact that the creature actually spoke. I would have been too, if it weren't for the demeaning words it directed at me. "Keep the lights low. I plan on returning for further questioning," I said.
He shook his head in disbelief. "What? You want to continue conversing with it? And now we're going out of our way to accommodate it?"
"I'm pretty sure it's a he, and yes. For now. I have inquiries for my research-"
"Bullshit! You just want to indulge in your scientific pursuits. Form some twisted bond with the creature. Let me ask you something. Did you forget that we're trying to eliminate this thing? Did you forget that we're in the midst of a war? And you want to cozy up to it?"
"Firstly, I'm not playing scientist. I am a scientist. And secondly, if we kill it, more will come. I'd like to gather as much knowledge as possible before the true battle begins. Do you really think they are unaware that we possess one of their own? I'm certain they are aware. And when they attack, they will come in numbers. So, if you want an effective weapon, I suggest you allow me to do my job. He is willing to cooperate, for now, and I won't let your trigger-happy guards ruin this opportunity for me to gain more insight."
"It seems like you desire a connection. You want a hug, Swan? Do you need someone to hold you? Then go find that. But not with that creature. You want to appease it so it will talk? How about this, if it refuses to talk...we'll shock it until it does? Problem solved. No need to cater to its whims."
"I apologize... has that approach yielded any results thus far? Do you truly believe that he will open up if you continue to subject him to electric shocks? If anything, it will only validate his beliefs and fuel his desire for revenge. And if he ever manages to escape, guess who will be his first target?"
"Let him attempt it," he snarled. "I'll obliterate him-"
"Firearms won't be effective. You know that. You won't be able to eliminate him. We need a more potent weapon. We need the power of science. And in order for me to achieve that, I must gather more information. I need to... study him. Comprehend him. He is a formidable adversary. It's evident that he has had encounters with humans before."
Especially females. He claimed we were easily seduced. Has he acted upon that?
He also mentioned his lack of trust in us. Something must have caused him to feel that way.
A blush tinged my cheeks at the unsettling thoughts. How did a seven-foot tall, silver-scaled being manage to seduce a small, fragile human female anyway? And... if his body was that massive... how sizable was his...? I shook my head.
"But we are completely ignorant about him and his species," I persisted. "He is willing to negotiate, albeit with a few minor conditions, but still willing. So, allow me to fulfill my role."
"Fine. But if this plan fails, you will bear the responsibility, Swan. That's a lot of blood on your hands."
"And if it succeeds, I will save the remaining human population."
I hoped.